Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has revealed he expects a big-spending January market - if Carsen Yeung can complete his takeover.

He said: "I hope to bring in my first-choice players in the transfer window - but we have got a bit to go before we can challenge some of the other sides in the league.

"It's a challenge. Every team is ahead of us in terms of finances - and quality is a challenge.

"We are going to have to be giant-killers for 38 games if we want to stay up.

"We know that we are punching above our weight against teams like Manchester United, Spurs and Aston Villa."

McLeish added: "The only way we can bridge the gap is with major investment. It is highly unlikely that the three clubs with the least investment will all survive this season.

"We have to try to stay up this season - and if we do survive we will get stronger. If you have that big hit financially then you have a better chance."